There is a verse in Psalms 139:16 “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one came to be.” I reflect on this verse often. Our stories are ordained. God is involved every step connecting our paths to others, teaching us about his character, and showing us real love. When we stop, see and reflect that love back, we become His eyes, His hands, and His feet. I won’t speak for others but I know I lose sight of this. Today, I was reminded…
I woke up this morning and was greeted with texts, messages and stories that touched me and motivated me to write for a bit. Let me start with a story of a man named Al Gorman. For years, there was an older gentleman who I would see around the area that I lived in, riding a bike often with bags hanging on his handles. I suspected he might be homeless which was later confirmed. But his presence was a constant. My kids and I always noted when we saw him. At one point, I noticed that I had not seen him and later heard that he was in the hospital. This man had set up a tent camp in the woods not far from our home. But, if you paid attention, you would noticed that he clearly had some routines, he loved to read, and took care of himself somehow. His clothes were clean and he could be seen in the grocery store buying a few provisions. He was a part of our daily environment. But, I was concerned for him. I had seen him in the last year asking for money at an intersection. And once, I had been at that intersection and had given him some. He was well spoken and thanked me. And then, he disappeared. And, I noticed. I assumed that he had died. It made me sad that I had not stopped to talk to him at the grocery store or when he was sitting at the table outside. I knew a little of his story from one of my friends who ran into him in the woods one time close to his home. But, I had not stopped long enough to ask him myself.
And then, a couple of weeks ago, I heard his story and learned his name, Al Gorman. This man was a veteran. He was a professional and had been a teacher. He had been a Cub Scout leader. He loved books. I am not totally clear about how he ended up homeless. But in February, he had been able to work with Urban Ministries and found a home in a different part of town. Sadly, he was killed on his bike on Sept 13 as he was headed to the laundromat. He had a story. There have been a number of articles in the paper as his story unfolded. His body was not claimed and friends have been working to raise money to pay for a funeral. There was a night ride established in his honor by other cyclists who have come to know him in his new neighborhood. This morning there was an article being shared from the paper that in fact Al Gorman will be buried with full military honors in a military cemetery not far from Charlotte. Al Gorman’s life impacted others. It impacted mine. Many people have shared the various articles. They took note of him in their daily lives. His life had value no matter the struggles. And quite frankly, I am sad that I did not follow my heart and stop to reach out- to take a moment to talk and to hear his story. I will take the lesson of Al Gorman into my heart. We are surrounded by people who have stories. They have struggles. They may need support. And, we are meant to be the eyes, hands and feet of Christ. We are meant to see, to stop and to love.
I also saw the image of the Pope stopping to get out and bless a disabled child. It struck me that the simple act of seeing and stopping not only impacted this child and this family but touches all those who were there and saw it and even those of us who are seeing the coverage. This simple of act of reaching out showed an open act of love and the value of every life. We are surrounded by conflict in society. Often success is defined differently as a focus on the individual and evidenced through personal accomplishment. Differences or disabilities are pitied. Judgement is enacted on perceived failures. And, life is lived expecting or hoping that the government or someone else will be there to support the needs of those who have needs. It is easier to ignore, keep our focus on a limited community, and intentionally reserve our love for those we choose. But people with needs are more than their needs. They have stories and their stories have value. We are called to love them. That is the story of Christ- giving his life away to heal ours. I am reminded of the story of the woman at the well. He engaged with her when cultural protocol would not have supported that for a variety of reasons. He acknowledged her story and her failures. And he told her who he was. He showed her love. She then went back to her village and told the story and many believed. This story of love and relationship provide hope to many others. We are all a part of God’s bigger story.
I think today of my family’s story. I have relied on that verse in Psalms. As hard as days have been, our story is ordained. It is Holy as God is in it even in the mess. He has not let go of me or my family. He has held me through others who have been his eyes, his hands and his feet. When things get hard, my experience is that often we put up walls. We don’t feel seen and for that matter sometimes we don’t want to be seen. But, when someone does, stops and extends love and support, what a relief when we can share a burden if even for a moment. Honestly, that is why my family has been so open about our struggles. I know we have been judged at times. But, I have seen how God has provided healing for us but also provided a place to stop and engage in other families' stories and extend love. God cares for us through each other. And, love begets love.
I had a friend post a note on Facebook recently asking others to join him in anonymously doing acts of kindness. I believe this world needs love expressed one outreach at a time. Join me in thinking about what we can do to create space in our lives to truly see who God places in our paths, stop for a moment even when it is inconvenient or scary to hear their story, and extend love and kindness. Let’s be conscious of our call to God’s eyes, his hands and his feet.
Thank you God for teaching me through the life of Al Gorman, my son, and the many others you have placed in my life. May my eyes be opened to the others and their stories with whom you place in my future. And may you teach me more about your love by using me to love others. Amen.
